trapezoid

noun trap·e·zoid \ ˈtra-pə-ˌzȯid \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

Definition of trapezoid

1 a : a quadrilateral having only two sides parallel

b British : trapezium 1a

2 : a bone in the wrist at the base of the metacarpal of the index finger

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trapezoidal

play \ˌtra-pə-ˈzȯi-dᵊl\ adjective

See trapezoid defined for English-language learners

See trapezoid defined for kids

Recent Examples of trapezoid from the Web

In true Christo form, the trapezoid will rest on a floating platform in the middle of the Serpentine Lake, totally and blissfully out of the context of its natural surroundings.

— liz stinson, Curbed, "Christo’s newest floating sculpture is now under construction in London," 9 Apr. 2018
The shape of the building is an exaggerated trapezoid and the roof surfs up from the harbor like the top of a wave.

— derek blasberg, Vanities, "With Chanel’s Show in Hamburg, Karl Lagerfeld Comes Home," 7 Dec. 2017
The lighting is discreet and natural wood abounds — walls, wine racks, benches and even the ceiling are mosaics of timber triangles and trapezoids.

— providence cicero, The Seattle Times, "A bigger canvas for Seattle’s Art of the Table," 20 July 2017
Floors require specialized cuts with trapezoids and tiny triangles at the edges, and cabinet makers have a tough time working with curved walls.

— janet eastman, OregonLive.com, "Oddball, doughnut-shaped SE Portland house sells fast, often and for more than asking price (photos)," 13 July 2017
The easiest way to pull off this trend is to incorporate geometric shapes—like hexagons, triangles, and trapezoids—by using fondant pieces, painted patterns, or other edible items.

— AL.com, "Check out 6 unique wedding cake trends," 14 June 2017
Just three school days after her brother was shot in the head and killed on Milwaukee’s north side, Nevaeha Ware was back in class trying to focus on geometry and the differences between squares, trapezoids and parrallelograms.

— james e. causey, jsonline.com, "Pervasive violence creeps into classrooms," 9 June 2017
The red-brick trapezoid former bank building that for years has stood out like a sore thumb on North Main Street near the Historic Stockyards will be razed soon to make room for a six-story Springhill Suites by Marriott.

— sandra baker, star-telegram.com, "‘The wedge’ being razed and replaced by 170-room Marriott hotel," 19 May 2017
Just to the upper left of the lopsided trapezoid is the very bright planet Jupiter.

— mike lynch / sky watch, Twin Cities, "Sky Watch: Blame Corvus for screwing up everything for crows," 15 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trapezoid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.